The planning process in Cape Town, South Africa, is struggling with major delays as changes in the decision-making structure have left planning officials with little or no authority to approve plans.
The changes in the delegation of authority have stalled the South African capital's development, with no projects being approved since before October 1. Planners are on the verge of a protest and the city's development community is becoming just as impatient with the bureaucratic delays.
"Mayoral committee member for planning and environment Marian Nieuwoudt said in June that 'in a reversal of previous centralisation", 21 sub-councils would be allowed to make final decisions on planning and land use management of a 'local nature'."
"This stripped planning officials of any authority to approve land use applications, including those that were submitted to council without objection."
FULL STORY: Cape Town planning chaos causes costly delays
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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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